Convergence Processes in Developing Countries' Populations and the Role of Family Planning Commitments

We live in a world that is politically and economically influenced by demographic issues. Structural and economical characteristics and health issues play a significant role in the international political debate with often no real perception of their importance. The process of economical and demographical convergence in Developing World doesn’t follow the same path for all countries. The analysis of indicators related to the last 15-years period shows that a widespread improvement in demographic and development indicators doesn’t come along with a similar economic development. As a matter of fact on this second dimension countries that were at a more advanced economical stage in 1996 had the best improvements, while least developed remain still deepening pre-existing inequalities. Population structure follows a similar differentiation among countries that show first signs of ageing and others that remains with a pre-transitional structure. In this context family planning can significantly drive demographic transition even in absence of a substantial economic development.